Bible Doctrine, Second Edition: Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith

This book is fantastic. Grudem not only lays doctrine out in a clear and easy to understand manner, he also cites scripture throughout. In one case after he asserts one part of doctrine on the sufficiency of the bible, he cites scripture 24 times! This is a great book for anyone wanting a better understanding of doctrine and doctrinal issue and can also be a great book for a small group study!

This book is a concise handbook of theology, condensed from a larger volume, though still broad in scope at 528 pages. As the title suggests, it is about Biblical doctrines, which adhere to, and emerge from the Scriptures, rather than speculative doctrines derived more from man's philosophical suppositions. The author's view is Reformed Theology, upholding and explaining the doctrinal claims of Martin Luther, and John Calvin, etc.; such as TULIP, among others. This orthodoxy of Biblical interpretation is so refreshing today in light of the rampant liberal doctrines so popularly preached in the modern church. You WON'T find the partial depravity of man, decisional salvation, cheap grace, easy believism, or ineffectual atonement in this text. Instead, you'll find a concise Biblical exposition on the most important doctrines of Scripture. One of my favorite explanations in this book is the order of salvation: Election, Call, Regeneration, Conversion, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Perseverence, Death, Glorification. How satisfying to understand the transformational experience of the new birth. When you understand such things you can become a much more effective witness and give a correct Biblical answer for why you believe what you believe. This author rightly divides the word. He begins in the right place. The assumptions, or foundational view from which we begin interpretation determines to a large extent the conclusions we draw. So that's why it's so important to get it right, hopefully sooner rather than later. And that's why I recommend the book.

This book is a great theology book. The layout is excellent. It is easy reading. The theology is thourough. It gives many sides although you can tell which view the author takes. It's very good. I would recommend this book for every Christian to read.

I found this book easy to read and theologically solid. The arguments presented were great introductions to the deeper issues of systematic theology. Grudem, humbly weighs important issues with an emphasis on Biblical truth opposed to the temptation of sentimentalism. Honestly, if you are not intimidated by the size of Grudem's "Systematic Theology", I would recommend that you go ahead and buy that one instead. On the other hand, if you want to "get through" a great systematic study this might be more what you're looking for. To put it another way, Bible Doctrine would be a great text book for grades eleven through college, but Systematic Theology could keep you going up through intro classes in seminary.

This condensed version of Grudem's Systemtic Theology, edited by Jeff Purswell, is an excellent resource for any library. Most pastors and teachers will probably stick with the larger volume, but for laypeople, this edition is hard to beat.I have used this book in teaching Sunday School, and have been fairly impressed with the editorial decisions made. The book is accessible and yet meaty. Added are review questions and a very helpful glossary. Highly recommended!